Plenty has been written about the underwhelming state of the minor leagues overall, but this certainly applies in dynasty leagues as well. The wave of graduations that we saw during 2015, combined with a general lack of high-end prospect depth in the minors heading into the season, has left a plush underbelly in these rankings—quite possibly the softest since I started writing about fantasy prospects more than a half-decade ago. Of course, this is not to take away from the excitement of the names at the top, as there are future superstars on here, but the names in the 75-100 range represent players and player profiles who would not have made this list in years past.
This is something that most of us know, but some owners still let it affect them as they make decisions heading into the 2016 season. There’s such an aura involved with being a Top 100 or Top 101 prospect that we forget that not all Top 100 or Top 101 lists are created equally. This can, and possibly should, lead to a switch in methodology for rebuilding owners. The common belief out there is that in order to reverse the fortunes of your dynasty league roster, you need to shift your equity into your farm team. Invest in the future, as they say. However, with the minor leagues in a down cycle right now, the better use of those resources might be investing in post-hype players as a primary source.
You don’t need to go back very far to find some highly regarded prospects who have not worked out the way scouts intended. Taking a review of the Top 50 fantasy prospects back in 2013, you find a number of names who have lost value and could be had for very reasonable price, yet are not eligible for this list and are not in the “all is lost” camp (sorry, Mike Olt). Jurickson Profar (1) is the big fish in that pond, but he won’t come cheaply. Nick Castellanos (19), Jonathan Singleton (22), Trevor Bauer (24), and Tyler Skaggs (26) all represent some of the higher-end values on this market—though my guess is that Singleton and Skaggs aren’t getting the post-hype respect they probably deserve. And the beautiful thing about post-hype players is that there’s no shortage of them. But we’re not here to talk about that subset, we’re here to talk about the prospects you should and do care about heading into 2016.
And before we can do that, we must wade through the fine print…
There are a few list-specific disclaimers to go over before we jump in. Again, these rankings are for fantasy purposes only, and do not directly take into account things like an outfielder’s ability to stick in center or a catcher’s pop time. Of course, these things do matter indirectly as they affect a player’s ability to either stay in the lineup or maintain eligibility. Additionally, home parks need to be factored in, just as when we are talking about a major-league player. If Corey Dickerson’s fantasy potential shrinks when going from Colorado to Tampa Bay, we can’t pretend that these prospects operate in a vacuum, unaffected by park factors. Of course, there’s no guarantee that they will reach the majors with their current organization, so while it is not a heavy consideration, it is reflected. Most importantly, the intention of this list is to balance the upside, probability, and proximity of these players to an active fantasy lineup.
Within the list below, you’ll find important information about each prospect, including their potential fantasy value (in dollars) at their peak and the risk factor associated with reaching that peak. Also, you will find a fantasy overview, which summarizes how many categories each player will be useful in, along with any that carry impact. For this exercise, we defined “impact” has having the potential to be in the top 15-20 players in a given category. For instance, impact in home runs roughly equates to the potential to hit 30, and impact for strikeouts is the potential to punch out 200. Then you’ll see a realistic ceiling and floor for each prospect, purely in terms of rotisserie value. The comments are specifically brief because I’ve already written fantasy-specific comments on each of these players in the individual top-10 lists (which are great and you should read, if you haven’t already).
So without any further ado, here is newest batch of the best 101 prospects for dynasty leagues:
1) Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 6)
Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A .300-hitting, 25-homering shortstop
Realistic Floor: His brother
2) Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 2)
Potential Earnings: $35+
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: A perennial first-round pick who contributes in all five categories
Realistic Floor: A 30-40 steal outfielder, who is most comfortable as an OF3
3) Yoan Moncada, 2B, Boston Red Sox (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $35+
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: The top fantasy second baseman for a half-decade
Realistic Floor: A trail of broken hearts in New England
4) Nomar Mazara, OF, Texas Rangers (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 31)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Justin Upton without the steals
Realistic Floor: Jay Bruce
5) Lucas Giolito, RHP, Washington Nationals (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 9)
Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: /angels sing
Realistic Floor: /angels sing
6) J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 45)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: A middle-of-the-top-10 shortstop
Realistic Floor: A back-of-the-top-10 shortstop
7) Steven Matz, LHP, New York Mets (Age: 24, Previous Rank: 48)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A borderline SP1
Realistic Floor: The guy who had that awesome grandpa
8) Joey Gallo, OF/3B, Texas Rangers (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 11)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: Mr. Universe with a bat
Realistic Floor: A windmill
9) Bradley Zimmer, OF, Cleveland Indians (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 88)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: The really good version of Shane Victorino
Realistic Floor: The really good version of Gerardo Parra
10) Tim Anderson, SS, Chicago White Sox (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 18)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: A top-three shortstop
Realistic Floor: A 30-steal outfielder
11) Alex Reyes, RHP, St Louis Cardinals (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 87)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: Oh lord
Realistic Floor: A wildly inconsistent SP3
12) A.J. Reed, 1B, Houston Astros (Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A .280 hitter with 30 bombs
Realistic Floor: A very serviceable mixed-league corner infielder
13) Nick Williams, OF, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 40)
Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Adam Jones with more speed
Realistic Floor: Santa Claus
14) Brendan Rodgers, SS, Colorado Rockies (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: The true heir to Troy Tulowitzki
Realistic Floor: Whatever, he’s a shortstop who plays half his games in Coors
15) Julio Urias, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 19, Previous Rank: 12)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: 20-year-old Fernando Valenzuela
Realistic Floor: 26-year-old Fernando Valenzuela
16) Trea Turner, SS, Washington Nationals (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 80)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: A 30-plus stolen-base shortstop
Realistic Floor: A slightly worse 30-plus stolen-base shortstop
17) Lewis Brinson, OF, Texas Rangers (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Matt Kemp pre-2011
Realistic Floor: Drew Stubbs
18) Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A top-20 starter
Realistic Floor: A top-40 starter
19) David Dahl, OF, Colorado Rockies (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 17)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, SB
Realistic Ceiling: Charlie Blackmon
Realistic Floor: Cory Sullivan
20) Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 46)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: A 30-homer OF
Realistic Floor: A great, reasonably-priced lefty masher for DFS
21) Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 42)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in ERA, K
Realistic Ceiling: A reasonable SP2, held back by his WHIP
Realistic Floor: A lights-out closer
22) Rafael Devers, 3B, Boston Red Sox (Age: 19, Previous Rank: 77)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: A top-five third baseman
Realistic Floor: Not making that Dunkin’ Donuts ad money
23) Clint Frazier, OF, Cleveland Indians (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 33)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A top-10 outfielder
Realistic Floor: Jonny Gomes without the combat helmet
24) Austin Meadows, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 62)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A good OF2
Realistic Floor: A good OF4
25) Jesse Winker, OF, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 29)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: David Peralta, if you please
Realistic Floor: David Peralta, if you don't please
26) Jose Berrios, RHP, Minnesota Twins (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 60)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact contributor in ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A reasonable SP3
Realistic Floor: A strong SP4
27) Dansby Swanson, SS, Atlanta Braves (Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: That bat!
Realistic Floor: That name! That hair!
28) Alex Bregman, SS, Houston Astros (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: Dustin Pedroia in his 20s
Realistic Floor: Dustin Pedroia in his 30s
29) Ryan McMahon, 3B, Colorado Rockies (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 58)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in R, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A cold beer on a sunny Denver day
Realistic Floor: It's a Coors. The beer is a Coors. And the mountains on the can are only kind of a vague azure, they're not really all that blue at all.
30) Andrew Benintendi, OF, Boston Red Sox (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in R
Realistic Ceiling: Carlos Gonzalez without Coors
Realistic Floor: 80 percent of modern-day Shin-Soo Choo
31) Manuel Margot, OF, San Diego Padres (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 69)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: I can't believe they gave this guy up for a reliever
Realistic Floor: I can't believe this is all it took to land Craig Kimbrel
32) Franklin Barreto, SS, Oakland Athletics (Age: 19, Previous Rank: 78)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: Alex Bregman
Realistic Floor: Alex Bregman with a goatee
33) Jorge Mateo, SS, New York Yankees (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: A 70-steal shortstop
Realistic Floor: A really awesome pinch-runner
34) Victor Robles, OF, Washington Nationals (Age: 18, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: God
Realistic Floor: Demigod
35) Jose De Leon, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: Tyson Ross with better arm action
Realistic Floor: Jeff Samardzija
36) Josh Bell, 1B/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 25)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in RBI
Realistic Ceiling: The recent version of Adrian Gonzalez
Realistic Floor: The 2018 version of Adrian Gonzalez
37) Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Chicago Cubs (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 59)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: All that is Man
Realistic Floor: All that is Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man
38) Cody Reed, LHP, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A top-20 starter
Realistic Floor: The Cody Reed people mistake the other Cody Reed for
39) Sean Newcomb, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: The best version of C.J. Wilson
Realistic Floor: Every other version of C.J. Wilson
40) Max Kepler, OF, Minnesota Twins (Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Eric Hosmer with OF eligibility
Realistic Floor: A German trivia answer
41) Raimel Tapia, OF, Colorado Rockies (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 28)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: A .320/30-steal profile in Coors
Realistic Floor: A dodged bullet for the Batting Stance Guy
42) Sean Manaea, LHP, Oakland Athletics (Age: 24, Previous Rank: 55)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A strong SP2 in a good park
Realistic Floor: An inconsistent SP4, who you always play at home
43) Dillon Tate, RHP, Texas Rangers (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A legitimate SP1
Realistic Floor: A shut-down reliever
44) Gleyber Torres, SS, Chicago Cubs (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Who we thought Starlin Castro would be
Realistic Floor: The 2015 version of Starlin Castro
45) Ian Happ, 2B/OF, Chicago Cubs (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: The good Brandon Phillips (with a few less steals)
Realistic Floor: A non-descript OF4
46) Jose Peraza, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 43)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: Elvis Andrus at second base
Realistic Floor: That prospect who got traded a bunch of times
47) Orlando Arcia, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: The good version of Alcides Escobar
Realistic Floor: The good version of Alcides Escobar
48) Jake Thompson, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 47)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in K
Realistic Ceiling: A strong K-laden SP3
Realistic Floor: A strong K-laden SP4
49) Kenta Maeda, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 27, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: Hisashi Iwakuma
Realistic Floor: Fredrick Sykes
50) Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 23)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: An SP2 with better strikeouts than ratios
Realistic Floor: An inconsistent arm who bounces on and off the waiver wire
51) Brett Phillips, OF, Milwaukee Brewers (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Dexter Fowler with a little more average
Realistic Floor: A speed-based OF4
52) Kyle Tucker, OF, Houston Astros (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Extreme
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A top-10 outfielder
Realistic Floor: A poster boy for “better swing mechanics”
53) Anthony Alford, OF, Toronto Blue Jays (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: Denard Span
Realistic Floor: A 20-steal OF5
54) Willy Adames, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 20, Previous Rank: HM)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Jhonny Peralta
Realistic Floor: A back-end mixed-league third baseman
55) Jacob Nottingham, C, Oakland Athletics (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A 25-homer catcher
Realistic Floor: Not a catcher
56) Jeff Hoffman, RHP, Colorado Rockies (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 51)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: The arm who overcame Coors
Realistic Floor: An SP5 you only want to start on the road
57) Grant Holmes, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 19, Previous Rank: 85)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A top-30 starting pitcher
Realistic Floor: A top-50 starting pitcher
58) Jorge Alfaro, C, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 22, Previous Rank: 26)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: #TheLegend
Realistic Floor: #ALegend
59) Anderson Espinoza, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Age: 17, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Extreme
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: The guy Dombrowski trades for a superstar
Realistic Floor: The guy Dombrowski trades for Ian Krol
60) Mark Appel, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 24, Previous Rank: 41)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: A top-20 starter
Realistic Floor: Edwin Jackson /sheds tear
61) Raul Mondesi, SS, Kansas City Royals (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 81)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: Alcides Escobar with a touch more pop
Realistic Floor: The bad Jean Segura
62) Brandon Drury, 2B/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 93)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Neil Walker
Realistic Floor: A top-15 third baseman
63) Eddy Julio Martinez, OF, Chicago Cubs (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: ¯_(Ć£Ęā)_/¯
Realistic Floor: ¯_(Ć£Ęā)_/¯
64) Ozhaino Albies, SS, Atlanta Braves (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: Recipient of way too many Ozzie references
Realistic Floor: Same, but in a more mean-spirited way
65) Carson Fulmer, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in K
Realistic Ceiling: A strikeout-laden SP3
Realistic Floor: A strikeout-laden reliever
66) Trent Clark, OF, Milwaukee Brewers (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: An all-around OF2
Realistic Floor: Just another great neck
67) Gary Sanchez, C, New York Yankees (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 65)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Brian McCann with a little less AVG
Realistic Floor: He who receives ice cream sandwiches
68) Bobby Bradley, 1B, Cleveland Indians (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A 30-homer first baseman
Realistic Floor: A 230-strikeout first baseman
69) Francis Martes, RHP, Houston Astros (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A borderline SP2
Realistic Floor: A really good reliever
70) Nick Gordon, SS, Minnesota Twins (Age: 20, Previous Rank: HM)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: The next J.P. Crawford
Realistic Floor: The next Deven Marrero
71) Cornelius Randolph, OF, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 18, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Cornelius Vanderbilt
Realistic Floor: Cornelius Bumpus
72) Harold Ramirez, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: Christian Yelich if the power never comes
Realistic Floor: Josh Harrison in the outfield
73) Yusniel Diaz, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Starling Marte with slightly fewer steals
Realistic Floor: Ender Inciarte with slightly fewer steals
74) Franklyn Kilome, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Extreme
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A legit SP1
Realistic Floor: The Mariana Trench
75) Billy McKinney, OF, Chicago Cubs (Age: 21, Previous Rank: HM)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG
Realistic Ceiling: The good Nick Markakis
Realistic Floor: A fourth outfielder who plays enough to contribute in deep mixed leagues
76) Austin Riley, 3B, Atlanta Braves (Age: 18, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Extreme
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in R, HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Evan Longoria, the way people imagine him
Realistic Floor: Ian Stewart, the way people try to forget
77) Trey Mancini, 1B, Baltimore Orioles (Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A more consistent Mitch Moreland
Realistic Floor: The next Christian Walker
78) Derek Fisher, OF, Houston Astros (Age: 22, Previous Rank: HM)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A 20/20 outfielder
Realistic Floor: The guy the Astros kept instead of Mark Appel
79) Willson Contreras, C, Chicago Cubs (Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG
Realistic Ceiling: A top-five receiver
Realistic Floor: The receiver of one too many volleyball jokes
80) Alen Hanson, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 86)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Daniel Murphy
Realistic Floor: Chris Owings
81) Jomar Reyes, 3B, Baltimore Orioles (Age: 18, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Mark Trumbo at third base
Realistic Floor: Jonathan Schoop at first base
82) Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 24, Previous Rank: 34)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A reborn SP3
Realistic Floor: A waiver-wire option in shallow leagues
83) Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 13)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: An easy top-30 starter
Realistic Floor: A hard guy to roster
84) Yadier Alvarez, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Extreme
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in ERA, K
Realistic Ceiling: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Realistic Floor: A drop in the bucket
85) Forrest Wall, 2B, Colorado Rockies (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 98)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: Jose Altuve when he was Clark Kent
Realistic Floor: An easier-to-spell DJ LeMaheiu
86) Alex Jackson, OF, Seattle Mariners (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 53)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A powerful top-25 outfielder
Realistic Floor: Another reason to mistrust Seattle draft picks
87) Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A.J. Pierzynski's mouth and Julio Teheran's arm
Realistic Floor: Kenny Powers
88) Daniel Robertson, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 63)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Asdrubal Cabrera
Realistic Floor: Nick Franklin
89) Hector Olivera, OF/3B, Atlanta Braves (Age: 30, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Melky Cabrera with one year of 3B eligibility
Realistic Floor: Avisail Garcia with one year of 3B eligibility
90) Kolby Allard, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Age: 18, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A good SP2
Realistic Floor: Same as any prep pitcher coming off back surgery
91) Brady Aiken, LHP, Cleveland Indians (Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Extreme
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A borderline SP1
Realistic Floor: Let's just not say
92) Dominic Smith, 1B, New York Mets (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 93)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in AVG
Realistic Ceiling: A lifetime of misery for Ben and Craig. Mostly Craig.
Realistic Floor: James Loney
93) Aaron Blair, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Age: 23, Previous Rank: HM)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A boring SP4
Realistic Floor: A boring SP4
94) Byung-ho Park, 1B, Minnesota Twins (Age: 29, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; Impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Mark Trumbo
Realistic Floor: The backup to Kennys Vargas by August
95) Braden Shipley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 37)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Chad Billingsley's name in a heart with red glitter sprinkled on it
Realistic Floor: The most prolific streaming option in your league
96) Tom Murphy, C, Colorado Rockies (Age: 24, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $10-15
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A top-10 catcher
Realistic Floor: Not a Rockie
97) Luis Ortiz, RHP, Texas Rangers (Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A solid SP2
Realistic Floor: Still better than Russ or Ramon Ortiz
98) Trevor Story, SS, Colorado Rockies (Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A 15/15 shortstop
Realistic Floor: #Buttledge
99) Hunter Renfroe, OF, San Diego Padres (Age: 24, Previous Rank: 57)
Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Khris Davis
Realistic Floor: Kyle Blanks
100) Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 14)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: Healthy
Realistic Floor: Broken
101) Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Kansas City Royals (Age: 24, Previous Rank: 74)
Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; Impact potential in W, K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: Healthy
Realistic Floor: Broken
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order):
Albert Almora, OF, Chicago Cubs
Daz Cameron, OF, Houston Astros
Wilmer Difo, 2B, Washington Nationals
Michael Fulmer, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Amir Garrett, LHP, Cincinnati Reds
Jonathan Gray, RHP, Colorado Rockies
Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Josh Hader, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Gilbert Lara, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Washington Nationals
Matt Olson, 1B, Oakland Athletics
Roman Quinn, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Amed Rosario, SS, New York Mets
Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Toronto Blue Jays
Garrett Whitley, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Thank you for reading
This is a free article. If you enjoyed it, consider subscribing to Baseball Prospectus. Subscriptions support ongoing public baseball research and analysis in an increasingly proprietary environment.
Subscribe now
fixed, thanks!
One question - maybe I am low on him, but why is Jesse Winker ranked ahead of guys like Benintendi, Margot and McMahon? Thanks.
92) Dominic Smith, 1B, New York Mets (Age: 20, Previous Rank: 93)
Realistic Ceiling: A lifetime of misery for Ben and Craig. Mostly Craig.
I must search all of BP to find out why !!!!!
Bellinger did make adjustments late in the season and reduced his K rate to under 20%, so it will be important for that to continue in AA.
For me, Smith has more questions since he hasn't shown he can hit for power, and at 1b, that is pretty important.
According to Baseball America's league-averages for all 16 domestic minor leagues in 2014, the California League ranked first in runs per game (5.22), second in slugging percentage (.426) and tied for first in HR/9 with the Pacific Coast League (1.0)...It's a pretty well-documented phenomenon that offense is inflated in the California League, which is Bret's overall point. Just keep that in perspective.
I appreciate the info on the Cal League, and I was all set to lower my expectations till I saw BA's ranking for Bellinger a few minutes ago.
Now, I am back driving this bus and requesting a larger vehicle. Allllll aboard!!
One who really stumps me is AJ Reed, going from #56 on the earlier list to #12 on this one. That's huge. Comment?
The other is Dan Vogelbach. I don't believe he was even ranked on the BP list from January (nor on at least two other lists from respectable sources nationally). Here, you have DV as #37! Surprising. Why?
If you would, remind us how wide the input is across the BP staff on the January Top 101 Prospects and on this list. Thanks, Bret. There's a boatload of great info here, and I'm grateful. But with Rizzo at 1B, no DH, and what could be an awesome and flexible bench, that seems like rather intimidating blockage for Vogelbach.
Also, he's just a really good all-around hitter. BB% over 18 last year, K% around 20, and some power that he hasn't really shown yet. His fatness and lack of defensive value ensure that he's never on normal prospect lists, but he can flat-out hit.
IMO, he'll never see an at-bat for the Cubs. I think they're waiting for a breakout year from him to build his value. They're not just going to let him waste away in Iowa until he's 27.
Same with Grant Holmes who is just 19, and not seen much fanfare this offseason.